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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Today it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, Vehicle such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car key battery replacement dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and vehicle then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.

It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost for car key replacement more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships.

It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.